NTT DoCoMo concept phone splits in two

by Mark R

At CEATAC Japan 2008, NTT DoCoMo Inc. introduced a concept cell phone that could easily change things as we know it. This phone, known as the “Separate Keitai” is not one phone, but two.

Actually, the Separate Keitai is one phone that can be split into two parts. Each part is synced with each other via Bluetooth wireless technology, and can attach and reattach by a simple magnet. In all honesty, I didn’t think I would ever need such a phone, until I heard what it could do.

The Separate Keitai can attach vertically (image on the left) or horizontally (image on the right). As you can see, the vertical attachment brings up a numeric keypad, while the horizontal attachment brings up a QWERTY keyboard. It is even possible to turn this horizontal function into a gamepad for some mobile video game action.

While a user is making a call, he or she can check their email or electronic schedule on the separate unit. They can even use the separate unit as an MP3 player.

Well, I sure want one of these now. Unfortunately, the company has stated that the Separate Keitai is “a concept model so we have not decided a schedule for practical application”. Too bad.